Page 26 of Claimed By Blood

Because this is it. I finally have a plan, and I’m going to make it work.

“I didn’t summon you, Evelyn.” Cain’s voice is soft, but there’s a hint of displeasure underlying it.

He’s not pleased that I’m no longer suffering at Morwen’s hands.

“Sire,” I bow my head further in apology, then push back the hood to meet his frowning stare. “I brought you a gift.”

Reaching into my pocket, I draw out the slimy, still-warm tongue. Morwen clawed it out of her mouth by herself, but Cain doesn’t need to know that. I throw it on the floor at his feet, maintaining eye contact the whole time. “If you still require her feet, I can provide those as well.”

A bluff, but one he won’t call me on because I plan to distract him well before then.

“I have another matter to bring before you. It’s of a more… sensitive nature.”

The gleam in his eyes is predatory, and he doesn’t spare a glance at the rest of the room before he says, “Leave us.”

The vampires of the Court, who were practically licking their lips with anticipation at the scent of Morwen’s blood, scatter. They head for doors with a grumbling reticence. They all want to know what I have to say. They’d kill to be trusted. A few even linger, practically begging Cain to invite them to remain. He doesn’t.

When the double doors slam closed and only Bella, Callie, and Immy remain, I give them pointed looks.

“Now, now, Evelyn, we’re a family.” Cain steeples his fingers beneath his chin. “Your sisters would never betray me.”

ButIwould. The dig he’s making isn’t even subtle.

“Sire, I have reason to believe there is a credible threat to your life.”

His dark brows rise into his hairline at that. “Evelyn, perhaps you forgot during your imprisonment. I am immortal. Icannotdie.”

I bow my head. “I know, sire. But I felt it prudent to make you aware that the resistance is looking for Samuel. They’re under the mistaken belief that he has some knowledge which will help them destroy you. I dismissed it when I first learned, because Samuel is dead, but during our time together Morwenna revealed he sired a vampire before his death. A son who may be the source of these rumours.”

Cain stiffens, shrugging away Callie’s affectionate hand on his arm as he leans toward me. “And how did Morwenna reveal such information, without her tongue?”

I shrug my hair back over my shoulder, revealing the twin puncture wounds. “She fed from me afterwards. I felt it was necessary.”

Cain pushes out of his chair and begins to pace.

“Sire,” Callie begins. “Surely there’s no truth to this, is there?”

The backhand he deals to her face is hard enough that both Callie and her chair go flying backwards, leaving her sprawled on the floor.

“Of course not.” Cain is seething. His mask cracking.

Dear God. Frost might actually have been on to something.

“I cannot be killed,” he growls. “And I’ve told you too many times, Callista, not to question me. Don’t make me ask Evelyn to bring meyourtongue next.”

He straightens the lapels of his jacket and turns back to me. “You’re certain this information is accurate?”

“Yes, sire.” I keep my face blank. “Morwen confirmed she didn’t see any point in killing a vampire who was so young and not a target. Please, allow me to rectify her mistake.”

He’s in my face in the next second. “This vampire ‘son’ of Samuel’s is no threat to me, but we can use him as bait. Since it appearsyouare not sufficient enough to draw Frost out of hiding once more, Morwenna will be able to track Samuel’s progeny. Imogen, you’ll accompany her. The two of you should be sufficient to bring Frost and his merry band of lycans to their knees when they show themselves.”

Damn.This wasn’t the plan. I’d hoped Cain would send me—given that I was the one who brought him the information—but apparently not. Shit. I need to get on that plane.

I open my mouth, ready to give him the excuse I prepared earlier—that Morwen is unreliable and needs me to keep her on track—but Immy interrupts before I can say anything.

“Sire.” Immy hesitates. “I believe we should take Evelyn.”

My head snaps up, pinning her to the spot. Her pale, freckled face gives nothing away as she meets my stare.

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